Norwegian Cruise Line Commits To New Orleans Until At Least 2018

Good news for those planning on cruising from New Orleans or even living near the city as NCL has agreed to commit to the port until at least 2018.

The berthing agreement made between Port of New Orleans and NCL is for four years with an option to extend until 2021. The cruise line will keep at least one cruise ship sailing seasonally.

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“Our partners at Norwegian Cruise Line are a pleasure to work with and we are elated to sign a long-term agreement to retain the Norwegian brand in the Crescent City,” said Port President and CEO Gary LaGrange. “Norwegian has sailed from New Orleans since 2003 and we look forward to working closely with their team to ensure their success for many years to come.”

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“We are pleased to continue our great relationship with the Port of New Orleans and look forward to cruising to the Caribbean from the exciting city of New Orleans for the next several years,” said Drew Madsen, orwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief operating officer. “Our guests love sailing from the Crescent City and we’re thrilled to have the beautiful Norwegian Dawn beginning her inaugural season here.”

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The agreement follows the Norwegian Dawn’s maiden voyage to New Orleans on Nov. 21. The 2,340-passenger ship will sail seven-day itineraries to Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan Bay Islands, Honduras; and Costa Maya, Mexico. The Norwegian Dawn was built with freedom in mind, offering a choice of 14 dining options, 12 fun bars and lounges, a fitness center and spa, casino, pools and more, offering a range of suites to accommodate every size family and budget. The ship began sailing seven-day western Caribbean itineraries Nov. 23 from the Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

Passengers and shipboard crew spend about $78 million per year in New Orleans so the agreement will only benefit the city. Cruise Hive also predicts that NCL could possibly alter ships sailing from the port in the future with larger vessels.